WHO IS FOOLING WHOM?

WHO IS FOOLING WHOM?

Tender published by SIB for the development of an 18-hole golf resort onIle Aurore.

This advert appeared in the Seychelles Nation this week inviting potential investors to submit proposals for the development of Ile Aurore. A few things about this advert give the game away. We do not need the help of a rocket scientist or that of the “Invisible Man” to figure that one out. The invitation is for the development of an 18-Hole Golf Resort on Ile Aurore Seychelles. Ile Aurore is situated off the coast at Anse Etoile. It was reclaimed not long before the 2002 National Assembly elections, to boost the chances of the ruling party’s candidate for the districts of Anse Etoile and Glacis, at great costs to the taxpayers.

This newspaper has long been informed of the imminent development of the island. In fact a group of developers for the proposed project has already been identified and the island will eventually go to them. The invitation to tender is only a gimmick to give the impression that this Administration is doing things differently from that of former President Rene.

According to the Advert, “ submissions of development proposals should reach the SIB not later than 18 May 2007”. The time frame is without a doubt very short for a project of this magnitude. Why? This is a deliberate tactic to discourage potential bidders, which might get in the way of their little plan.

We would like to point out that there is a golf course at Anse Aux Pins, the Reef Golf Course and a hotel, Reef Hotel to match the project being proposed for Ile Aurore. The SPPF government has abandoned the people of Anse Aux Pins by allowing Reef Hotel and the Reef Golf Course to run into neglect. Why can’t it be put up for redevelopment? The present owner who was given the place for practically nothing is showing no interest in redeveloping the place.

Some serious questions arise as a consequence of this advert in The Seychelles Nation of March 5th, 2007, regarding the proposed project. According to the Advert, the successful bidder will be required to conduct its own Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study. What are the criteria for judging the successful bidder’s ability to undertake such a study? This is a typical case of putting the “cart before the horse”. It is exactly like asking a thief to conduct an investigation in a robbery that he himself has been involved in. Furthermore, Golf courses are known to consume large amounts of water. The East Coast of Mahe, especially the Victoria metropolis is already suffering from an acute shortage of water. No new water storage facility is expected to be built in the foreseeable future. Where is the water to supply the proposed development going to come from? It is evident that the potential damage to the environment will far outweigh any economic benefits derived from the development being proposed for the area.

To further add insult to injury, the advert clearly shows the real intent of the people behind the project by stating; “further reclamation in the sea is possible and may be required to accommodate the development proposal”. Again inestimable criteria are being made on behalf of the bidders. The Seychelles Investment Bureau has a lot to answer to on behalf of The Seychelles Government. We are all looking forward to some answers soon!